Manhasset Press 11/29/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group. by antonmedia2023

An Anton Media Group Publication

Est. 1932 Also serving Munsey Park, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Flower Hill Vol. 91, No. 14

November 29 – December 5, 2023

www.ManhassetPress.com

$1.50

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AN ANTON MEDIA

GROUP SPECIAL

NOVEMBER 29- DECEMBER

5, 2023

INSIDE

WINTERTIME! Things to see and do this holiday season! Children’s Museum Child’s play and the Long Island through the holidays Good health and fitness Donate your time and expertise

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER

5, 2023 • WINTERTIME!

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Helen Keller Services: New board members (See page 6) Defibrillator Installed: Northwell installs new type (See page 9)

Quite A Racket

Christmas 1

Christmas 2

Christmas 3

Christmas 4

Christmas 5

Christmas 6

Christmas 7

Christmas 8

Christmas 9

Christmas 10

Christmas 11

Christmas 12

Christmas 13

Christmas 14

Christmas 15

Christmas 16

Christmas 17

Christmas 18

Christmas 19

Christmas 20

Christmas 26

Christmas 27

Tennis camp seeks donations (See page 3)

Christmas 24

Manhasset Press (USPS 327-760)

Christmas 25

Postmaster: Send address changes to Long Island Community Newspapers, P.O. Box 1578, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. Entered as periodicals postage paid at the Post Office at Mineola, N.Y. and additional mailing offices under the Act of Congress. Published 51 weeks with a double issue the last week of the year by Long Island Community Newspapers, 132 East Second St., Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (P.O. Box 1578). Phone: 516-747-8282. Price per copy is $1.50. Annual subscription rate is $26 in Nassau County.

(Photo by the Connolly family) Christmas 29

Winter Buildings

We are so thankful for your trust. Happy Holidays from our homes to your home. Connect with us. The Murstein Team. An Ageless Alliance. Aileen Murstein

Aileen Murstein Licensed Associate RE Broker M: 516.317.6007 aileen.murstein@compass.com

Ashley Samet Licensed RE Salesperson M: 718.736.536 ashley.samet@compass.com

Ashley amet are real estate agents afﬁliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Northern Boulevard in Manhasset.

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Christmas 28

Long Island Weekly: Long Islander reflects on her two years as a Rockette (See page 14)

CALL 516-403-5120 TO START A SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!

Savana Connolly and Liam Connolly are seeking tennis equipment and other donations. Christmas 23

Crime: Drunk driver sentenced (See page 12)

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

NORTH ZONE

Beautiful Home to Create Cherished Memories

Laurel Hollow | 40 White Oak Tree Road | $2,800,000 This newly renovated 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom expanded ranch is perfectly situated on approx. 2 bucolic acres of park-like grounds. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the fully equipped kitchen with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry and oversized center island. This stylish residence is ideal for effortless entertaining and ease of living with its open floor plan, vaulted great room, and breathtaking full views of the lush greenery of the backyard, which only enhance all the other amenities this residence provides. The attention to detail is evident in this home with its blend of timeless sophistication and comfort. Let's welcome your next chapter! | Web# 3512112

Maureen Polyé

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson O 516.627.2800 | M 516.582.5646 maureen.polye@elliman.com elliman.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401. © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

Serving More Than Love

TOP STORY

Manhasset teens carry on tennis tradition at EOC AMANDA OLSEN aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

t’s a new chapter for the Second Serve Tennis Clinic at the Manhasset Great Neck EOC. The program has been run by local teens since its inception, and its most recent director, Savana Connolly, 17, and her brother Liam, 14, have high hopes for the coming year. The Second Serve Tennis Clinic was started in the summer of 2014 by a local Manhasset teen, Matthew Holweger, as an avenue to introduce the game of tennis to others. Along with the help of fellow teen volunteers Brett Weisberg and Brooke DiGia, the three collected gently used rackets and monetary donations from the community to buy balls and other tennis equipment. They then recruited other Manhasset teens with tennis experience to launch the clinic as a part of the Manhasset/Great Neck Summer Camp at the EOC (Equal Opportunity Council). That inaugural year, the teen volunteers taught the fundamentals of tennis to nearly 90 campers between the ages of 6 and 13. This past year the camp had a record-breaking year with over 100 campers in attendance. Throughout the 6 weeks that the camp ran, local teen volunteers shared their knowledge of the sport with campers through engaging games, drills and oneon-one instruction. “We start off with just a fun game to get them comfortable with the counselors and to introduce them to all the different lines and hand positions. Then we do drills to have them practice hitting the ball over the net. Sometimes we do some one-on-one work to improve their individual skills. Then we usually end off the session with a game to wrap up everything they learned in the day and just make the session fun and exciting for them,” said Savana. The siblings have enjoyed seeing the campers grow and hone their talents year after year. Participants enter the camp with no knowledge of tennis but tend to stick with the game. Many even go on to become counselors. “The first year that they come in, they have never played tennis before. So we teach them the basics of it. And then each year they come back they usually remember a little bit from the year before and remember the games that they liked the year before. They’re always excited to continue the ones that they enjoyed and each year when they come back we see

Campers from 2015.

(Photo from Anton Media Archives)

them developing and building on their skills,” said Savana. The pair are also hoping to initiate some new aspects to the clinic this coming summer, focusing on nutrition, exercise and building an inclusive and compassionate learning environment. Liam has plans to establish a mentorship program that will carry on throughout the entire year, helping students adjust to their new grade. “I pair campers with the tennis volunteers that got assigned to them during the summer clinic, because they have a relationship with the counselors and they know who they are. And they can always ask the counselors for help,” said Liam. The teen volunteers are more than just tennis counselors. There is a heightened level of responsibility. Savana takes her role as director very seriously. “In addition to teaching them the fundamentals of tennis, we are responsible for their well-being, which includes applying band aids to cuts, ensuring they have enough water and shutting down any bullying. Not only do I have to train everyone else who volunteers as a counselor in these areas, but I also need to ensure that they all have the tools and support they need to succeed.” Being involved in Second Serve has also taught the siblings leadership skills and adaptability. “I’ve learned also to make sure that every time I lead a group of children, I arrive with a backup plan and I instruct the other counselors to do the same. I do this so that when the children complain that they might not like a particular game, I have an arsenal of different drills that I can substitute in a moment’s notice that teach the same skills,” said Savana. Jason Spencer-Edwards, the Youth Director for the Manhasset/ Great Neck EOC, praised the siblings. “Savana and Liam Connolly personify what volunteering

The inaugural year of the tennis camp at Manhasset Great Neck EOC. (Photo from Anton Media Archives)

means. With their cheerful and welcoming energy, I have witnessed children who were shy and reluctant to try new things, such as tennis, transform into people who are more confident and open to new activities and experiences. Their self-esteem has improved tremendously. We are happy to have worked with Savana, Liam and all of the teen volunteers during the summer camp.” Others in the community have been touched by the tennis program. “The Second Serve Tennis Camp at the EOC in Manhasset is a gift of the love of tennis and community that has been passed from family to family for nearly ten years. Manhasset boys and girls tennis players volunteer their time to teach and play games with the summer campers. I enjoyed seeing my own sons volunteer and lead this program

and am proud of Savana Connolly and her younger brother Liam for continuing this tradition. The program ensures that every child, regardless of circumstance, gets to revel in the joy of this unique tradition. It is a heartfelt legacy woven with inclusivity,” Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said in an email. Savana and Liam are holding an equipment drive to obtain new and gently used tennis rackets along with monetary donations to buy much needed updated equipment like mini nets, new balls and necessary supplies. These supplies will replace the current worn and outdated equipment the campers have been using. Contact the EOC at 516-627-6385 for more information or email secondservetennis@ icloud.com to arrange a pickup.

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS St. Mary’s Volleyball Congratulations to Coach Fabis and the girls volleyball team on a wonderful season. After beating the second seed St. Aidan’s in the semifinals, the championship just didn’t go as planned. We might have fallen short, but have so much to be proud of. Thank you to Father Dom for leading us in prayer before the game started, to athletic director Kevin Kemp for having both gyms

up and running so we could host the post season games, to all our volunteers who took care of the concession stand, and to all our fans who came to support the team. Huge thank you to our parents for choosing St. Mary’s and sharing your child(ren)’s God given talents with us. They were exciting to watch. —From the Saint Mary’s Schools’ Facebook

Christ Church Manhasset Holly Fair Saturday, December 2 The holiday season is upon us, and it would feel incomplete without traditional fairs and bazaars. This tradition, established at Christ Church Manhasset over 55 years ago, continues this year on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am until 4 pm, when the Christ Church family opens wide the doors to its Parish House at 1355 Northern Boulevard for its annual Holly Fair. You will find at the fair a wide assortment of food and baked goods, beautiful gifts,

handmade crafts, and Christmas greenery. It is a real joy to share this day with so many friends and neighbors of Christ Church. The Holly Fair is an opportunity for welcoming friends and spreading good cheer, as old acquaintances are re-established, and new ones are forged. The Rector, staff, and parishioners of Christ Church hope you will join them for this special day! —Submitted by Christ Church Manhasset

Kathy Arnopp, Diana Tadler, and Jericka Flowers volunteer selling delicious homemade baked goods.

The Greenery tables are always popular, thanks to volunteers Anita Schmidt, Jeannine and Angus Daly.

Donna Lennon and Michelle Deosaran help fairgoers select beautiful gifts and jewelry.

A wide assortment of jewelry, gifts, and handmade items is on offer.

The team gave it their all, but fell short.

Some young fans showed their support. (Photos from Saint Mary’s Facebook)

The Manhasset Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is back. This year the lighting will take place on Friday, December 1 beginning at 4 p.m. at Mary Jane Davies Green. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the holiday season! For more information, call 311 or go to northhempsteadny.gov. (Screen grab from the Town of North Hempstead’s Facebook)

(Photos by Christ Church Manhasset)

On November 8, Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department responded with trucks E8740 and L8743 to extinguish this vehicle fire in Lake Success. (Photo from Facebook)

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

Toy Drive & Visit with Santa

Take a Photo with Santa Sunday, December 10 1:00PM - 3:00PM at our Manhasset Office 364 Plandome Road

Drop off at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty | 364-368 Plandome Road, Manhasset or call us for a pick-up: 516.627.4440

Scan for complete list of toys

Manhasset Office | 364 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 516.627.4440 | danielgale.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

Helen Keller Services Welcomes New Board Members

elen Keller Services (HKS), a national non-profit whose mission is to enable individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision or combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice, today announced the appointment of five new members of its Board of Trustees: • Dina DePina is SVP Marketing Madison Square Garden Entertainment in New York, NY. • Matthew Garvey is Vice President, Talent Acquisition at Centerline Communications LLC in Chicago, IL. • Cara Petruccelli is Managing Director, Capital Markets Coastal Ridge Real Estate • Allison Robl Stransky is a veteran marketer, most recently with Google, and with experience at major brands across technology and beauty. • Namrata Yadav is Senior Vice President, Academy Community Advancement at Bank of America in Charlotte, NC. “We are so excited to have these talented individuals join our board,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “They bring tremendous talent and enthusiasm to our mission. We look forward to them contributing to our growth and

2024

innovation going forward.” “We are growing exponentially and look to these five new board members as the catalysts of transformation,” said Larry Kinitsky, chairman of the board of directors. “They will truly be a true force for change.” Of the five new members, three are connected with the DeafBlind community in personal ways. Two of them live with and

things, like not being able to see your child smile across the table. Vision loss makes it harder to feel present. It’s waking up saying to yourself, ‘I got this’ let’s make it a great day, despite the challenges. Overcoming a disability such as macular degeneration is having supportive people around you who deeply care.” Matt Garvey lost 85 percent of his vision at four years old.

have overcome vision challenges. “Vision loss is often misunderstood, people look at you and think you are fine, but many don’t know what you struggle to see and what you had to overcome” said Petruccelli, who was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration when she was 17 years old. “It’s the simple things, like not being able to read a menu at a restaurant, but also the very important

“I’ve spent my life achieving things people have said I couldn’t do. Now I get to share that perspective to help the people that Helen Keller serves every day,” said Garvey. Namrata Yadev, who grew up in Delhi, India, developed her affinity and appreciation for the talents of the DeafBlind community from a young age. “My family and I volunteered at a blind

school and I got to know many of the children there who were otherwise written off by society,” said Namrata Yadev. “Seeing the resiliency and ability of these children at the school and how they were able to grow and learn and contribute their talents was very impactful to me. It has propelled me on a journey toward creating a more equitable world.” The other two members bring their considerable communications and marketing talents to an organization that has no shortage of inspiring stories to tell. “The Helen Keller Team does incredible work supporting the DeafBlind community,” said Stransky. “I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of the good work that’s happening here with companies who have a natural synergy with the technology and education efforts here.” “They are so passionate about what they do,” said DePina. “The people whom I have met are capable of so many things the world may think they can’t accomplish. And as a parent, you can’t help but be touched by the stories of the kids who are overcoming their own personal struggles every day.” —Submitted by Helen Keller Services

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ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

SOLD 30 Walter Lane, Manhasset $4,688,000 | 5 BD | 4 BA | 1 HB As showcased in Long Island Business News, Gail Holman has had the esteemed privilege of serving as the representative for the sellers of the magniﬁcent 30 Walter Lane. This exquisite property, gracefully nestled in the charming enclave of Flower Hill, achieved a remarkable feat by being sold at its full asking price in a mere 22 days on the market. This accomplishment not only stands as a testament to Gail’s exceptional expertise but also signiﬁes the highest recorded sale within Manhasset.

SOLD 7 Maria Lane, Old Brookville $4,488,000 | 5 BD | 4 BA | 1 HB

Interested in knowing what your home is worth? Contact us for a conﬁdential home valuation. Gail Holman Principal of The Gail Holman Team Licensed Associate RE Broker gail.holman@compass.com M: 917.239.3508 | O: 516.517.4751 Gail Holman is a real estate agent afﬁliated with compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

Helen Halpin McCarney Broadway Star, Television Personality & Ms. Senior America

Takes Her Final Bow

CALENDAR

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@antonmediagroup.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4

Long-time Manhasset resident Helen Halpin McCarney, 93, died November 9, 2023, due to complications from Lymphoma. A native Bostonian, Helen’s talents emerged at a young age when she began performing in variety shows and with the Church choir conducted by her piano-playing father. As a token of his appreciation for her performance at an early campaign event, Helen was handed a silver dollar by a promising young congressional candidate, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Raised in a traditional Irish Catholic family, Helen received the calling to take her novitiate vows at the Convent of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart in Towson, MD. After being cloistered for nearly a year, Mother Superior arranged for Helen’s return home following a series of infractions involving dancing with the vacuum cleaner, singing during quiet time and entertaining the novitiates (and sisters) with an impersonation of Boston’s colorful Cardinal Cushing. Within months Helen was starring on Broadway in the Palace Theatre Review and opposite Pat Carroll in Neil Simon’s Catch a Star. Her gift for musical impersonation landed her appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show and Hoagy Carmichael’s Saturday Night Review. She was a regular at the swankiest night clubs of the day, including the Latin Quarter in Boston, Chez Paree in Chicago and the Blue Angel in New York. Helen shared the bill with many of her favorites, including Harry Belafonte, Donald O’Connor, Eartha Kitt, Robert Clary and Jonathan Winters. Her musical impersonations of Della Reese, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Shore and Judy Garland have since gone viral on YouTube. Family came first with Helen. At the height of her fame, she put her career aside to devote herself to raising her three children. She always kept in touch with her inner entertainer though, and as soon as the kids were on their way, she was back on stage performing with friend Rodney as his East Side Club Dangerfield’s, filming commercials, recording albums with her five-time grammy award winning cousin Danny Davis of The Nashville Brass and caroling with the Kennedy Clan in Hyannisport. In 2005 she was crowned Ms. Senior America in Las Vegas after breaking with pageant tradition by delivering her “Rappin’ Grandma” philosophy of life. Helen was attended to during her final days by her son, James Gerard McCarney, and was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty-eight years, Frank P. McCarney, daughter Maryann McCarney and son Thomas Francis McCarney. She is survived by her son James and his wife Jill Beron McCarney of Manhasset, NY, their three daughters, Tara Beth, Megan Alexis and Dana Rose, her son Thomas’ widow, Lisa Jones McCarney of Wading River, NY, their two children, John Thomas and Katherine Ann, as well as her prized great-grandchildren Anderson Francis and Maeve Alexis. Reporting on Helen early in her career, the press observed “The Singer Always Leaves Them Laughing,” which remained true even in her final hours. A Musical Celebration is planned for Spring on Helen’s beloved Cape Cod. 243702 M

Hands-on Baking with Chef Rob Join Chef Rob 3rd Floor Multi-use Room of the Manhasset Public Library at 12 pm for a hands-on baking class. On the menu are Holiday Coffee Cake Muffins with a Mountain of Crumbly Streusel. Isn’t that everyone’s favorite part! You’ll get them ready to take home and bake. Please bring: 12-count muffin tin, 1 large and 2 medium bowls, whisk and rubber spatula. Space is limited. You must have a valid Manhasset Library card to register.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

Town of North Hempstead board meeting

TUESDAY, DEC 12 AND 19

Beginning Quilting Class Discover the art of hand quilting and create a Decorative Mat in this 2-session class in the Children’s Multipurpose Room of the Manhasset Public Library. All materials will be included but don’t forget to bring your reading glasses and thimble. Beginners are welcome. This event is part of a combined series. If you register for this event, you will be automatically registered for all of the following events in the series. Registration for this event will be open to December 19, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

THROUGH DEC. 15

Toys For Tots Anton Media Group’s Mineola headquarters at 132 E. Second St. will be one of the official drop-off places for this year’s Marines Toys for Tots program. The drive just started and the final day for

pick-up is Dec. 15. All gifts must be unwrapped and we are looking for all age toys for boys and girls as well as any generic toys. Inflation has made it tough this year but even one or two items per person will make such a big difference. Items will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SUNDAY, DEC. 17

Sunday Afternoon Live: A Christmas Carol A solo performance of Dickens’ classic holiday tale, adapted & performed by Greg Oliver Bodine and directed by Shana Solomon. This one-man play is based on the condensed version Dickens himself used on his historic reading tours of the United States and is adapted here to offer a unique theatrical experience. This show is rated G and is suitable for adults and children over ten years of age. From 2-3 p.m. in the Manhasset Public Library Community Room. Seating begins at 1:30 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 2:00. Call (516)627-2300 for more information.

ONGOING Senior Talk Radio Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. Listen to the Project Independence Radio Show at 88.1FM and WCWP.org. Tune in to hear the latest information from medical experts, elected officials and community organizations. Learn what is happening around town in the Talk of the Town segment. You Are Not Alone If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling suicidal, call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline: (516)6791111. The 988 Suicide and Crisis line is also available 24/7 by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255.

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP OFF AT

Anton Media Group 132 E. Second Street, Mineola by Dec. 15th

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

FULL RUN

Explore Winter Holidays While Christmas is dominating the decorations and airwaves, there are other holidays that take place at this time of year. Many of these traditions celebrate light overcoming darkness, whether literal or figurative. Here is a selection of these celebrations. Hanukkah Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is celebrated around the world today. But the inspiration for the holiday dates back thousands of years in what is today the country of Israel. In 175 B.C., King Antiochus, whose ancient kingdom included Judea (located in present-day Israel), made it against the law for people who lived there to practice their religion, called Judaism. Instead, he wanted Jews to worship Greek gods. When they refused, he ordered his troops to destroy the Temple of Jerusalem, an important place of worship for Jews. He replaced the Jewish symbols with an altar dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The Jews rebelled against King Antiochus. Many historians believe that they battled for about three years to become an independent region so they could practice their religion. Finally, around 164 B.C., the Maccabees, as they were called, defeated King Antiochus and his troops. When the Maccabees returned to their ransacked temple, they found only one jar of oil—just enough to light the temple’s candles for one day. But according to the Talmud, the oil miraculously burned for eight days—enough time for the victorious Maccabees to

find more oil for their sacred candles. Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. Because this calendar follows the lunar cycle, the holiday begins on a different date each year. Usually, Hanukkah starts in late November to mid-December. In 2023, Hanukkah starts the evening of December 7 and ends on December 15. Jews celebrating Hanukkah light candles in a candleholder called a menorah for eight nights. The menorah holds nine candles—one for each night plus a candle called the shamash used to light the other candles.

Kwanzaa Celebrated every year from December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa is a week of festivities honoring African American culture and heritage. Friends and family gather each day to give thanks, exchange gifts, and share feasts. The holiday was created in 1966, during a time period when many Black people faced unfair treatment because of their skin color. The holiday honors African American people, their struggles in the United States, their heritage, and their culture. Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili, and refers to the joy and unity many Africans have when celebrating the harvest season. The holiday encourages people to honor seven principles: unity, self-determination (helping yourself succeed), collective work and responsibility (teamwork), cooperative economics (sharing),

purpose, creativity, and faith. A big part of celebrating Kwanzaa is lighting a candle each night. First, an adult pours a little water or juice from the unity cup onto the ground to remember the family’s ancestors. Then the cup is passed to each family member, who sips while everyone chants harambee (Swahili for “let’s pull together”) seven times. Even though Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, the big celebration is on December 31. That’s when family and friends gather in bright African-style clothing and have a large feast, called karamu. They play music, dance, and sing. The last day of Kwanzaa is much quieter. On January 1, people focus on how they want to succeed in the coming year and what kind of person they want to be in the future. —Compiled from the Internet by Amanda Olsen

Diwali Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the amanta tradition) and Kartika—between mid-September and mid-November. The celebrations generally last five or six days. During the festival, the celebrants illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns. Hindus, in particular, have a ritual oil bath at dawn on each

day of the festival. Diwali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with rangoli designs made from colored powders, and other parts of the house with jhalars (banners). Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing desserts. Many towns organize community parades and fairs with parades or music and dance performances in parks. Some Hindus, Jains and Sikhs will send Diwali greeting cards to family near and far during the festive season, occasionally with boxes of Indian confectionery. Another aspect of the festival is remembering the ancestors.

Photo Getty Images

2A NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

FULL RUN

There’s A Not-So-New Director In Town Art museum names Beth Horn to lead charge

CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

eth Horn’s professional career and volunteer service focus on enriching people’s lives through the arts as well as historic preservation and environmental conservation. Her early career spanned the visual and performing arts, including numerous theater productions on- and off-Broadway, documentary and cultural news programming for Thirteen/ PBS-NY, and communications/marketing for the Museum of Modern Art, NY. Most recently, Horn served as the executive director of the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors each year. “For almost six years, I was overseeing the entire 216-acre estate, all of the programming, fundraising and the capital work,” Horn said. “So in that sense, that role is quite similar to what is really needed here at the Nassau County Art Museum.” Previously, she produced the Port Washington Public Library’s World Festival, at which representatives from 35 countries and their unique traditions were celebrated; the festival included an international art exhibition and programs for children, teens, and adults. An active advocate for arts and science education, Horn created several school programs and other partnerships for children of all ages and different abilities. She has also supported a number of Long Island-based nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to educating our youth and protecting wildlife and the environment; she served as a trustee (treasurer and secretary) of the Science Museum of Long Island. The Science Museum is a waterfront property, a beachfront environment with expansive hiking trails through natural forests. “In many ways, the Science Museum is a very similar type of property to the art museum’s and it is also another Gilded Age estate,” Horn said. “ I have the experience in not only maintaining that property, but developing the property in such a way that it really served the community during the pandemic, before and after, with cultural programs, nature, education, environmental education, and all those areas.” The art museum is home to stunning exterior gardens, which are all native. ““That’s a big part of what I’ve been

Photo by Alex Nuñez

Beth Horn working on over the past years, native gardens, which support wildlife,” Horn said. “Taking the land back from invasives that destroy not only the plants and trees that grow but destroys the environment that birds and other wildlife depend on is important. Horn also served as a trustee of the North Shore Audubon Society. “There is a lot of excitement around what it means to convert a garden from

a traditional garden with things [that we buy from a nursery], to a natural plant species that will attract the birds that we love to see in our gardens; there’s a whole chain effect.” The art museum sits on a 145-acre estate. “There are trails that wind through magnificent woods with extraordinary landscapes; you can climb and descend and see beautiful views,” Horn said. “There are magnificent sculptures permanently on display here with beautifully mowed lawns and you can walk and you can picnic or hike into the forest and just enjoy.” The museum has received a lot of praise recently for its curated exhibits. “This is a really magnificent space for art exhibitions, it’s just so full of potential,” Horn said. “There is so much in the works long before the public actually hears the first word about an exhibit. The art exhibits are planned one to two years in advance with an exhibition and acquisitions committee, made up of a combination of trustees and art experts. The museum’s newest exhibit, “Our Gilded Age”, opened two weeks ago and runs through March 10. “It is a mixed media show with paintings, fashion, sculpture, furniture, and other kinds of items from the period,” Horn said. “It crosses over all of these different areas to explore the Gilded Age

era, which is really a 30-year period from the 1870s to the early 1900s.” The new exhibit also explores the “upstairs downstairs” worlds, a pejorative for explaining “upstairs” being the estate owners or aristocracy and the “downstairs” being the staff or working class. “What’s really exciting is that this exhibition is in a mansion that is a Gilded Age mansion; it is the perfect setting,” Horn explained. “It’s important because this part of New York has a very interesting history among all of these Gilded Age mansions.” Horn said her first couple of weeks have been wonderful. “I have been so welcomed by a very talented staff and I’m really excited to be working with them and with the board of trustees,” Horn said. “The staff and volunteers all play an important role, but the [art museum] organization stands on its own legs, for its professionalism.” A Duke University graduate, Beth holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University’s School of the Arts; she also studied 20th-Century British Literature at Oxford University in England. Horn and her husband David reside in Port Washington, where they raised their sons, Alexander and Nicholas. Nassau County Museum of Art is located at One Museum Drive in Roslyn Harbor. Visit www.nassaumuseum.org for details.

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PSEG Long Island Urges Customers To Know What A Utility Scammer Sounds Like

If someone calls and threatens to immediately shut off the power, it’s likely fraudulent

utumn’s cool temperatures and wet weather are in full effect, but scammers are still putting the heat on homes and businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways, impersonating PSEG Long Island and area utilities and demanding immediate payment. PSEG Long Island urges customers to get wise to scammers’ tactics and do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff: Get the truth from the real PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025. “Scammers try to blindside you with an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services. “PSEG Long Island wants customers to remember one simple thing: If someone threatens to immediately shut off your power and demands payment, stop and call the number that’s printed on your bill to verify before acting.” More than 4,200 scam calls have been reported to PSEG Long Island so far in 2023. Many of these scammers are demanding immediate payment via web-based electronic payment services. PSEG Long Island does not accept external, web-based electronic payment services (outside of payments through My Account) as a method of payment.

What customers should know about payment scams • Scammers impersonating PSEG Long Island most frequently threaten to shut off power immediately unless payment is made. • Many scammers use phone “spoofing” technology to make their number display on your phone as “PSEG Long Island.” • PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment. • Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service, a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then to read them the PIN over the phone. • PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment. • Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for meter installations. • If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially

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one in which payment is requested — they should call the company directly at 1-800-490-0025. In-person visits Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID and/ or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts. Again, if customers have any doubts, they should not let the person in, and should call 1-800-4900025 to verify. PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house and call 1-800-490-0025 to have a customer service representative verify that an employee has been dispatched to the location. An actual PSEG Long Island employee will respect the customer’s decision and remain outside. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.

Fake websites The theme of this year’s Utility Scam Awareness Day was “Screen the Search,” which reflects the rise in utility impostor scams through digital methods, including search engine-related scams. Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL of a utility and create a fraudulent replica of the legitimate website. Their plan is to dupe users who click on these fake sites via search results, or type in an inaccurate web address. Once on the spoofed site, a visitor is presented a number of bill payment options, all pointing back to an outside bill pay site. PSEG Long Island always uses the “.com” domain. Its real website can be found at www.psegliny.com. How actual PSEG Long Island reps handle phone calls Customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the Customer of Record. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the

correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative. If the Customer of Record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record to call 1-800-490-0025. PSEG Long Island is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. UUAS, a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, continues to raise customer awareness of common scams and new scam tactics used by utility impostors. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has successfully helped to take more than 14,020 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation. For more information on various payment scams reported in the PSEG Long Island service area and around the country, visit https://www.psegliny. com/myaccount/customersupport/ scamsandfraud. —Submitted by PSEGLI

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

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Caregiver Burden Growing In New York

n New York, there are more than half a million people providing unpaid care to a loved one with dementia. National Family Caregivers Month is the perfect time to get educated about dementia caregiving and ways to help. Caring for someone with dementia is demanding: these caregivers on average

provide more care for a longer period of time than other caregivers. A report released by the Alzheimer’s Association earlier this year found that New York’s dementia caregivers provided 884 million hours of care, valued at more than $19 billion dollars. And with a looming shortage in the healthcare workforce and more people expected to develop dementia in

coming years, the burdens facing dementia caregivers are growing. Dementia caregivers often take on these responsibilities while balancing careers and children. It’s not surprising that they find their own physical and mental health worsening due to stress. • Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than other people. In New York, 59 percent of caregivers reported at least one chronic health condition. • Dementia caregivers report higher rates of depression than caregivers for people with other medical conditions. In New York, 24.7 percent of dementia caregivers reported having depression. Lori Maldavir, director of program outreach at the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says, “Caring for someone with dementia is uniquely challenging. The caregiving tasks are intense and you’re doing them while watching your loved one gradually lose memory and function.” She continues, “Our goal at the Alzheimer’s Association is to help reduce sources of caregiver stress and help them find selfcare strategies that work.”

There are a range of self-care strategies caregivers can try to reduce stress. No single approach will work for everyone so it’s important to find what works for you. Options include: • Talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, clergy or counselor. The Alzheimer’s Association provides a 24/7 Helpline with dementia experts available anytime. • Get outside. Even just a few minutes outdoors can improve your mood, especially on sunny days. • Exercise. Movement is a proven approach to improve mental and physical health. Try a walk around the neighborhood or a local fitness class, which has the added benefit of being social. • Try a mindfulness technique. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and journaling are all options for mindfulness, which can reduce anxiety and depression and may even help reduce blood pressure and improve sleep quality. The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers free caregiver education, support groups, and care planning meetings. You can access these resources by calling 800.272.3900 or visiting alz.org/longisland —Submitted by the Alzheimer’s Association

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6A NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

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COLUMNS

LIRR Service Disruptions Ahead With Upcoming Amtrak East River Tunnel Work Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s recent announcement that he has delivered $1.3 billion in federal funding to pay for repairs to the East River tunnels as a result of 2012 Super Storm Sandy doesn’t tell the whole story. In June 2016, he did the same with proclaiming that he obtained funding from the Federal Transit Administration. The FTA grant that year provided $432 million in Super Storm Sandy funding to the MTA for repairs to the East River Tunnels. Over seven years later, there is little evidence that these funds have been used for their original intended purpose. In the interim, the cost of work has increased 300 percent to $1.6 billion. Even if work starts in 2024, there is no guarantee that repairs to the two most damaged tunnels will be complete by 2027. Will Amtrak have sufficient track outages and force account support (Amtrak employees) to meet the promised 2027 completion date? The same Amtrak resources are also committed to other projects along the Northeast Corridor, between Washington DC and Boston for years to come. Three of these in the Metro New York area include the $1.6 billion New Jersey Northeast Corridor Portal Bridge, $3.1 billion MTA Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access and $16.8 billion Gateway Tunnel Hudson River Phase One projects. This does not include ongoing routine maintenance at Penn Station Newark, Penn Station NY, Hudson and East River tunnels, $2 billion Maryland Susquehanna River Bridge, $4.7 billion 1.4 mile Baltimore Potomac Tunnel, $827 million Connecticut River Bridge, other stations, tracks, bridges, tunnels and facilities along the Northeast Corridor. How can Amtrak provide sufficient numbers of employees to work on these key state of good repair and system expansion projects while supporting work on the East River Tunnels at the same time? Amtrak has previously stated that it will require one of the two tunnels damaged by Super Storm Sandy to be out of service at a time to advance project work. The other two tunnels will also need work to bring them up to a state of good repair. With only

movements with equally tight spacing during rush hours. Penn Station is currently operating at 100 percent capacity during rush hours. If one of the four tunnels is temporarily out of service, the result is numerous delays, cancellation and combining of trains.

PENNER STATION Larry Penner

three of four tunnels available, there will be a 25 percent reduction in Penn Station access and capacity. This directly contradicts Schumer’s statement that “all 453 Amtrak and LIRR trains that utilize the East River Tunnels will continue to run on time during reconstruction.” He forgets NJ Transit. They, along with Amtrak, need access to move equipment to and from the Sunnyside Yards via the same tunnels. This facility is used by both Amtrak and NJ Transit for midday and overnight storage to position equipment for rush hour and off-peak service. Three of four tunnels running inbound mornings and evening rush hours have tight spacing between trains. One tunnel is shared by the LIRR, NJ Transit and Amtrak for reverse train

Amtrak initiation of East River Tunnel rehabilitation starting in 2024 will result in one of four tunnels being removed from service 24/7. If a train stalls in one of the three remaining tunnels, thousands of commuters will be late. How can Schumer make such a promise given all of these issues? To preserve existing service, some LIRR rush hour trains will be canceled or combined. This results in overcrowded trains with insufficient seating capacity. Some riders end up standing in the vestibules and aisles. Until this work is over, it will be impossible to guarantee safe and reliable on-time service with the same current level of service, including a seat, during AM and PM peak trips to and from Penn Station for LIRR commuters. Reduced East River tunnel capacity makes it difficult to add new services. This includes Metro North East Bronx New

Haven line Access to Penn Station via the Hell Gate Bridge and 40 percent overall increase in reverse peak service. Both Amtrak and NJ Transit need access to the Sunnyside Yards via the East River tunnels to support their own planned service increases. Going from four to three available East River tunnels can only result in a significant capacity reduction. This translates to no increase in existing or new services until work on all four East River tunnels is completed.

Karl V. Anton, Jr., Publisher, Anton Community Newspapers, 1984-2000 Publishers of / O ys t e r B ay R e c or d P i l ot G r e at N e c k R e c or d M an h as s e t P r e s s N as s au I l l u s t r at e d N e w s P or t W as h i n gt on N e w s S yos s e t -Je r i c h o T r i b u n e T h e N as s au O b s e r ve r T h e R os l yn N e w s

G l e n C ove

E d i t or an d P u b l i s h e r A nge la S us an A nt on P r e s id e n t F rank A . V irga V i c e P r e s i d e n t of O p e r at i on I ris P icone D i r e c t or of S al e s A d m i n i s t r at i on S ha riE gnas ko E d i t or s J ane t B urns ,J e nnif e rC orr, L aure nF e ldm an,C hr is t yH inko, A manda O ls e n,J ulie P ris co, J oe S cot chi e

The LIRR 1960’s motto “Line of the Dashing Dan” should be changed to “Line of the Slow Moving Sloth” when it comes to completing East River Tunnel repairs as a result of damages from 2012 Super Storm Sandy fifteen years later in 2027. Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for NJ Transit, MTA, NYC Transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus and NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry.

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F o r c ir c u la tio n in q u ir ie s , e m a il: s u b s c r ib e @ a n t o n m e d ia g r o u p .c o m P u b l i c at i on O f f i c e : 1 3 2 E as t S e cond S t ., M ine ola, N Y 1 1 5 0 1 P h on e : ( 516) 7482 F ax: ( 516) 7425867 ©

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L et t er s t o t h e ed it o r a r e w el co m ed b y A nt o n M ed ia G r o u p . We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. A ll mat e rial cont ribut e d t o A nt on M e d ia G roup in any f orm be come s t h e prope rt y of t h e ne ws pape rs t o us e , mod if y and d is t ribut e as t h e ne ws pape r s t af f as s igns or s e e s f it . L e t t e rs t o t h e e d it or can be maile d t o: e d it ors @ ant onme d iagroup.com A d d itio n a l c o p ie s o f th is a n d o th e r is s u e s a r e a v a ila b le fo r p u r c h a s e b y c a l l i n g 516-403 -512 0.

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The Balancing Act: Knowing When To Push And When To Give Space

ADVENTURES IN PARENTING Sital S. Patel not meeting their parents’ standards. This can undermine their self-confidence and self-esteem. On the flip side, children who are not encouraged to push their boundaries may develop a lack of motivation. When kids are not pushed to achieve their best, they might settle for mediocrity, missing out on opportunities for personal and academic growth, say the experts. One parent notes, “Our parents pushed us — in not a very positive way. It was punitive. Instead of what can we do to solve the problem.” This shift from punishment to problem-solving underscores the evolving perspective on effective parenting strategies over generations. Striking The Right Balance “We are all learning as we are raising them,” said the mother of two boys. “I think the biggest thing that I have taken away from my experience as a parent is not to compare my kids to other kids.” This parental realization encourages a focus on the individuality of each child and the learning curve inherent in parenting. Carol shares insights from her parenting journey: “Once they hit middle school - we made them understand, this is for you. And they automatically pushed themselves, they wanted to get high scores.” Her experience highlights the importance of empowering children to take ownership of their educational journey. The ongoing debate over parental guidance will persist, with each family navigating unique circumstances. Parents must remain attuned to their children’s personalities, needs, and desires. The ultimate goal is to provide an environment that allows children to go at their own pace, ensuring both success and fulfillment on their unique journeys. “Mind, body, soul,” said Carol on her parenting philosophy. Her holistic approach to parenting underscores the importance of balanced development.

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Growing up, I always wanted to play the piano. Any musical instrument really, but my parents were first-generation, and singularly focused on their children excelling in academics. Now that I am a parent, I am insistent that my kids learn to play the piano. Reading music is a skill, I tell them, and playing an instrument will help them be more well-rounded. But when it comes to practice, there is a lot of hemming and hawing each week, and even though once they sit down and start playing I see them enjoy it, I am always asking myself, am I pushing them too much. As parents, one of our most important responsibilities is to foster the growth and development of our children. However, this goal is not one-size-fits-all. It involves a delicate balance between pushing kids to achieve their potential and giving them the space they need. Every Kid Is Different Everyone is different, says Carol, a mother of three college-aged kids, living in Syosset, New York. “Our focus was very high standards when it came to academics, and we helped them every step of the way,” she said. “If they were studying about Vikings, we would get a book about Vikings from the library to help them with their school project. Carol also emphasizes the importance of individuality while setting high academic standards. “We found a way to support them, whether it was socially, academically or in sports,” she said. It’s tough to know when to push and when to step back. Pushing kids too hard and expecting them to excel can lead to significant stress and anxiety. That can leave kids feeling overwhelmed, impacting their mental health. Focus On Interests One mother highlights the common desire of many parents for their children to excel in various domains and the potential pitfalls. “We definitely pushed our eldest, “ said one mother of two boys, aged seven and five, from New Jersey. “I felt like I wanted him to be good at everything we signed him up for and that led to him being spread too thin.” But then we realized that as parents we cannot overextend our kids, she said. “Now instead we focus on where his interests lie.” An excessive focus on academics, sports, or extracurricular activities can rob children of their childhood, say experts. These kids often miss out on simple joys, like playing with friends, exploring hobbies, and relaxing, which is so important for their development. It also can lead to a negative self-image, as children constantly feel that they are

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Child’s Play

An exclusive chat with the children’s museum president BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

It’s wintertime. Almost every parent on Long Island is faced with the challenge of overcoming winter blues and boredom woes from children of all ages. The Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) in Garden City is the answer to your seasonal dilemma. When my own daughter was a toddler, the museum was the answer to keeping us both sane, taking a break from being cooped up in the house for the winter.

he museum has come a long way since its pilot opening at 550 Stewart Avenue more than 30 years ago. I had a chance to speak with the newest museum president, Erika Floreska, about the museum benefits, membership, some of the newest programs, as well as some of the time-honored exhibits that remain consistent, tried and true.

What’s New?

“We are doing an exhibit called snowflakes sock skating, creating this whole winter village at the museum,” Floreska said. “We brought it in during COVID, when kids really needed to get more gross motor skills going. It had been so popular that we brought it back twice, it has been so popular.” The polyurethane floor is like an ice rink that kids can go on in provided slipon booties. There’s a play village, a mock kitchenette, a pretend campfire and fake s’mores maker. “And it’s a really fun winter activity,” Floreska said. “That’s a good introduction to the museum.” Tot Spot recently got a makeover also, with some new features and additions.

Membership

“The main benefit of a LICM membership is that if you come more than three times [in a year], you paid for the whole thing,” Floreska said. For the cost of unlimited visits, you can stop at the museum and play all year long. The museum offers traveling exhibits, discounted programs, film screenings and member-only activities. The museum is a nonprofit, so a portion of the membership cost is tax-deductible. “When you buy a membership, you can come as many times for as long or short as you want,” Floreska said. “It is such a good backup for you if you’re a parent with young kids, because you don’t have to feel like making the most of every visit.” She explained, “If you buy tickets every time, you want to make sure you’re here

for two or three hours. And sometimes kids don’t want to be here for that long, and then have a meltdown, or they may be cranky.” With a membership, you can decide to just go long enough to explore one room or one exhibit, just long enough that everyone is still enjoying themselves by the end of the visit. “You can just stop in and hang out for an hour, like an indoor playground,” Floreska said. “Parents think, ‘Oh, we have been there, we have seen everything already,’ but if your kids go back to a place like the museum here, there’s always another way to interact with an exhibit, or another aspect to learn or explore, or playing dress up and role playing. That’s really good for kids’ brains, to play and explore. The repetition, doing the same thing over and over again that helps kids learn something different, seeing it from a different perspective each time. Kids are not built for one-and-done.” Other perks include morning hours before the general public, exclusive events, discounts on events, discounts at Nunley’s Carousel, discounted birthday parties, museum store discounts, and reciprocity for free admission to more than 200 science museums worldwide. Membership costs range from $100 to $400 per year. Some of the exhibits that have stood the test of time at the museum continue to be the communication station with rotary phones and braille machines, the bubbles exhibit and the music room. “Those long-running exhibits were here when we opened and continue to be the most popular,” Floreska said. The museum is handicapped accessible and also offers special visiting hours for families of children with disabilities. “We do ‘friendly hours’ once a month on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.,” Floreska said. “The museum is less busy at that time. We lower the lights and reduce the sounds; the sensory overload is minimized.” Floreska said, “Parents appreciate having their family together, exploring,

playing and should there be Blast your winter blues at LICM. behaviors that, in other settings might be concerning, they are in a community that supports parents and families who are navigating that; we understand that you never know day-today whether today is going to be a good day or a challenging one. We wanted to create a space where those families can come for free, so that if they do need to back out it’s not a stressor.” The museum offers LICM For All, a program for families who qualify for EBT and SNAP benefits. There is also a discounted offer for military and veteran families. “There are ways that we want to Fake make s’mores over the “firepit” make sure everyone has access and we at LICM. recognize that some of these special communities may need a little different path to the museum; we want to support that,” Floreska said. Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) is located at 11 Davis Ave. along Museum Row in Garden City. School year hours from September to June: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most school holidays. There are separate summer hours. Museum admission: $17 for adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, free to museum members and children under the age of one. Additional fees for theater and special programs may apply. For the safety of our visitors, adults are not permitted in the Museum without children; Museum visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visit www.licm.org or call 516-224-5800 Slide on the “ice” at LICM. for more information. Photos provided by LICM

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • WINTERTIME! | 3B

Steps To Avoid Those Dreaded Holiday Pounds BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

There are many traditions associated with the holidays—and one of them is the extra pounds everyone seems to gain during December. So, unless you want to spend January dieting and working off those extra pounds, you may want to think about taking some steps now, which can help you avoid that dreaded holiday weight gain.

t is still possible to enjoy the holidays and not gain a belly that shakes like a bowlful of jelly. It’s all about making smarter choices and overindulging a little, not a lot. Holiday cooking tends to go overboard and that leaves lots of temptations remaining for days after celebrations. Think about how much food is really needed and not prepare more food than necessary. Having too much food makes it so easy to go to the refrigerator and choose a rich, high-calorie leftover instead of a more sensible choice. If you do prepare more than you need, freeze what is leftover instead of stocking it in the refrigerator. If an item needs to be unfrozen, it is more likely to be skipped for a better, healthier choice. Stock the refrigerator with healthy choices, such as carrots, celery and apples instead of the leftover cakes. Of course, even on the holidays, the choices made can make a big difference. Pies are a traditional holiday dessert. However, all pies are not created equal. Those double-crusted pies can be a waistline disaster, so take off the top layer of crust if served a pie with a double crust. When baking the pie yourself,

use only one layer of crust and switch from a flaky crust to a graham-cracker crust to save even more calories. Consider the following estimates. An apple pie with a crust has about 290 calories while such a pie without the crust has only 200. A slice of pumpkin pie, which is usually made without a top layer of crust, has a reasonable amount of about 230 calories. The same goes for custard pie, which has about 250 calories per slice. Moving up the calorie scale, a piece of mincemeat pie has about 300 calories, and a slice of pecan pie has around a whopping 470 calories. A cup of chopped nuts has about 760 calories. To save calories, chop the nuts finer and then use only half of the suggested amount. By doing this, the baker will still disperse the flavor throughout the pie but will save calories. Do the same with chocolate chips, which have about 840 calories. Use mini chocolate chips and only use half a cup to save 420 calories

4B | WINTERTIME! • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

while still dispersing flavor.

Pitfall parties

There are many goodies enjoyed at parties that can be a problem. Despite the belief that overeating is the main culprit, the foods eaten tend to be very dense, so it’s easy to gain weight without overeating. A half cup of eggnog has about 180 calories. Therefore, having just a half cup a week, without making other cuts, will result in gaining a half pound for the week.

Problem hors d’oeuvres

Think twice about having any that are in a pastry, since each one can have up to 150 calories. Choose only the hors d’oeuvres that you really want and passing on others so as not to waste calories. Bring food as a gift to a party. The host is likely to put your offering out, so you will have a choice of something that’s healthier. However, if you choose to indulge in the appetizers presented to you, take your own plate and make your own healthier choices, as opposed to having the host select food items for you. Seek out shrimp cocktail.

Alcohol=waistline danger Always keep a cup in your hand, as party guests without one are more likely to

be offered a drink. Keep that cup filled with club soda, diet soda or ice water. If indulging in cocktails, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-calorie drinks to cut your alcohol and calorie consumption in half. When having mixed drinks, use diet soda or non-calorie drinks, so you don’t mix sugar in your alcohol. Don’t mix caffeinated beverages with alcohol, as the caffeine will make you feel less impaired, even though you are.

Plan ahead

This doesn’t mean skipping a meal. It takes your brain half an hour to realize you have eaten, so if you haven’t eaten, you are more likely to overeat when you do begin your dining. Plan out your day and have a healthy lunch, such as lean ham, roast beef or turkey on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomatoes but no mayonnaise. Drink plenty of water and eat a nutrition bar.

Routine exercise

With so much going on at this time of the year, exercise can often be skipped, which also contributes to weight gain. Exercise not only burns calories, it also burns stress, and being stressed causes individuals to eat more. Walk your dog for an extra 10 minutes, schedule gym time or do a family exercise. Step on a scale at least once a week. Those who step on a scale and see they’ve gained five pounds in early December are more likely to make changes and avoid the shock of seeing a 10- or 15-pound gain in January. —With Northwell Health

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Wintertime Things To Do Long Island’s winter charm beckons with a plethora of frosty delights. From snow-covered beaches to festive village displays, it’s a season of joy. Families relish ice skating at local rinks, while vineyards offer wintry tastings. Cozy fireside gatherings, holiday markets, and the thrill of snow days make Long Island winters unforgettable. Here are a couple of fun things to do this month.

SATURDAY, DEC. 2

First Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony Westbury House, decorated for the season, especially illuminated at night is a special experience at Old Westbury Gardens. Take a self-guided tour through the period rooms with enchanting floral decorations, have cookies and cider on the West Porch, and meet and take pictures with Santa. A Christmas-themed concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by an outdoor tree lighting ceremony. Advanced tickets are required. Event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 2. Old Westbury Gardens at 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. Visit www.oldwestburygardens. org or call 516-333-0048.

Wreathmaking Workshop Craft your own bespoke evergreen wreath at Queens Farm on Dec. 2, 3, 9, two sessions available at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. No experience necessary. Just bring your own garden shears, materials will be provided. Ticket price includes evergreen boughs, wire wreath frame, floral wire, and red bow. For ages 18 and older. Tools and embelishments can be purchased for additional fee. Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park. Visit www.queensfarm.org or call 718-347-3276.

with decorations, cider and sweets on Dec. 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. Rock Hall invites you and your family to visit period rooms and enjoy holiday festivities, gingerbread house decorating, music, crafts, holiday photos, face painting and other fun activities. Reservations are required. Rock Hall Museum at 199 Broadway in Lawrence. Visit www.friendsofrockhall.org or call 516-239-1157. .....................

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

Countdown to 2023 at Long Island Forest Bathing Children’s Museum Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide and traditional carols from both East and West. Refreshments will Linda Lombardo on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Based follow the concert. Admission on the Japanese tradition of and refreshments are both free Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice of charge. The church is located developed in the 1980s, each at 369 Green Avenue in East unique walk inspires mindful Meadow. Visit www.htocem.org connections with the natural or call 516-483-3649 for details. Christmas Concert elements of the woods for a range ..................... The Choir of Holy Trinity of healthful benefits. Walk is deSUNDAY, DEC. 10 Orthodox Church of East signed for ages 18 and older. PreRock Hall Holiday Celebration Meadow will present its Annual registration is required. Register Come experience the holidays in Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. on online or call 516.304.5076 for Saturday, Dec. 2, featuring choral “Colonial America,” where the payment. Sands Point Preserve New Year was often celebrated music of the Orthodox Church at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands

Point. Visit www. thesandspointpreserve.com or call Forest bathing 516-571-7901. .....................

THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 7

Snowflake Sock Skating and Snowflake Village Slide into the snowy season at Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) as you slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink. Enjoy all the fun of this winter sport without the runny noses or cold hands. The indoor rink at LICM is made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. This exhibit offers plenty of opportunities for active play as kids stretch, twirl and glide at LICM. The musem is lcoated at 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. Visit www.licm.org or call 516-224-5800. —Compiled by Christy Hinko

Just Minutes Away from the Long Island Expressway in Riverhead, NY!

MEET NEW FRIENDS 431 East Main Street, Riverhead • 631.208.9200, ext. 426 | www.LongIslandAquarium.com *Admission must be used within 7 days of your birthday. No exceptions and no refunds. Valid ID is required or no admittance. Meet New Friends - Anton 10x5.5 April 2023.indd 1 6BLIA | WINTERTIME! • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

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Christmas at Westbury House Three Weekends Only 10am - 4pm

Free with regular admission Saturday, Dec. 2 | Sunday, Dec. 3 Saturday, Dec. 9 | Sunday, Dec. 10 Saturday, Dec. 16 | Sunday, Dec. 17

Join Us for Some Holiday Cheer! Meet & take pictures with Santa! Enjoy cookies & cider on the West Porch and tour a decor ated Westbury House!

“First Night” and Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 2 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

An Edwardian Christm as: A Children’s Puppet Show — and More! Saturday, Dec. 9 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Holiday Victory Party! Friday, Dec. 15 Saturday, Dec. 16 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Seven Ways To Cut Your Holiday Expenses When it comes to holiday spending, waiting in store lines all night and jostling for discounts will mean very little if you don’t have a budget that shapes your finances year-round. With the average U.S. household spending $600-$700 for the holidays, putting that money together shouldn’t be a game of chance. Here are some tips to get it right.

Compare and cut your auto and home insurance premiums. Turn down the thermostat, dump magazine subscriptions, gym memberships and any other budget item you’re not using. You’ll find that savings build quickly.

Before you make a It’s tough to cut young kids off list, plan a gift list, so turn to the adults. If your finances are limited, it’s How’s your debt? Do you have worth asking adult friends and an emergency fund family members if they’d consider a gift swap or forego gifts or any savings put aside? Start altogether. They might actually the holiday season by getting think it’s a good idea. a handle on what you owe and

Assuming you’ve made a tight gift list, create a gift budget (www. practicalmoneyskills.com/ YourGiftLog) tracking precisely what you’re willing to pay for every item. Also, don’t forget to budget for holiday entertainment (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/ EntertainmentPlanner). It’s a potentially huge cost. Plan ahead and don’t waver.

what you’re spending day-toAttack your everyday. Then plan a holiday budget day expenses (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/ YourHolidayBudget) as early as Want to afford possible that allows you to spend the holidays? wisely. Consider evaluating some expensive habits. Try reducing See what spendthe amount you are spending ing is really necon expensive nights out. Cook essary at home and bring your lunch to work. Use public transportation.

Browse before you buy

Create your own Holiday Club

Online savings and money market accounts can allow you to set aside your holiday budget in

small amounts throughout the year and they’ll pay better rates than the last few banks offering Holiday Club savings accounts. Watch gas and shipping Smart shoppers weigh the value of store trips versus online shopping. They also keep an eagle eye for advertised online and shipping discounts. Sign up for special deals and coupons, consolidate in-person trips to stores and make sure you review return policies at online and bricks-and-mortar stores before you buy. Paying return fees or missing a window to return a gift entirely can cost big money.

what you spend every year. Good recordkeeping not only allows you to track the numbers, but also prevents you from duplicating gifts or overspending year to year. And it’s always a good idea to keep a list of what you get from others to make sure you’re thanking people appropriately. Finally, consider whether it’s worth making new holiday traditions that go beyond gift giving. Some families consider contributing throughout the year to a joint vacation or reunion fund to bring everyone together. You might also consider the needs of aging or needy relatives who need assistance with chores, transportation or pet care. The holidays are what you make them. —Visa

Keep good records Whether you track your finances on paper or on a computer, develop a system that allows you to match your holiday list to

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‘Tis The Season Of Giving BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Now that the holiday season is among us, many nonprofit organizations are reaching out for donations.

olunteering your time is a transformative experience with huge benefits. It fosters a sense of community and social connection, reducing feelings of isolation. Engaging in volunteer work also enhances mental well-being by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It offers the opportunity to develop new skills and gain valuable experiences, bolstering personal and professional growth. Volunteering can broaden perspectives and increase empathy by exposing individuals to diverse backgrounds and challenges. It often leads to the formation of lasting friendships and a deeper understanding of societal issues. The act of giving back creates a positive ripple effect, benefiting both the volunteer and the community at large.

Here are some local organizations that could use your help.

Andy Foundation

195 Herricks Rd., New Hyde Park 516-739-1717 www.theandyfoundation.org

Child Care Council of Nassau 99 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd, Ste. 201, Garden City 516-358-9250 www.childcarenassau.org

Bethany House

102 Whitehouse Ave., Roosevelt 516-868-6866 www.bhny.org

Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline Adelphi University Breast Cancer Support Program Garden City 516-877-4320 www.breast-cancer.adelphi.edu

The Book Fairies

70 N. Main St., Freeport 516-557-6645 www.thebookfairies.org

Family & Children’s Association

100 E. Old Country Rd., Mineola 516-746-0350 www.fcali.org

Ronald McDonald House 267-07 76th Ave., New Hyde Park 516-775-5683 www.rmhlongisland.org

Girl Scouts of Nassau County 110 Ring Rd. W., Garden City 516-741-2550 www.gsnc.org

The Sarah Grace Foundation 217 Plainview Rd., Hicksville 516-433-9745 www.thesarahgracefoundation.org

Long Island Crisis Center

Belmont Child Care Association

2740 Martin Ave., Bellmore 516-826-0244 www.longislandcrisiscenter.org

2150 Hempstead Tpke., Gate 6, Elmont 516-488-2103 www.belmontchildcare.org

Mary Brennan INN

The Safe Center

100 Madison Ave., Hempstead 516-486-8506 www.the-inn.org

15 Gruman Road West, Bethpage 516-465-4700 www.tscli.org

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Get Cozy With A New Book This Winter In winter, the allure of reading intensifies as a cozy escape from the cold. The warmth of blankets, the crackling of a fireplace, and the sound of rain against windows create an ideal setting. Books become companions, transporting us to different worlds, providing solace, and allowing introspection during the serene winter months. Here are some of the new releases for you to consider, in no particular order.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history. ....................... Pretty Boys Are Poisonous: Poems by Megan Fox Megan Fox showcases her wicked humor throughout a heartbreaking and dark collection of poetry. Over the course of more than 70 poems Fox chronicles all the ways in which we fit ourselves into the shape of the ones we love, even if it means losing ourselves in the process. ....................... Prequel: An American fight against fascism by Rachel Maddow Rachel Maddow traces the fight to preserve American democracy back to WWII, when a handful of public servants and private citizens thwarted far-right plotters trying to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis.

My Effin’ Life by Geddy Lee The long-awaited memoir, generously illustrated with never-before-seen photos, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer

and Rush bassist. ....................... The Exchange: After the Firm by John Grisham John Grisham delivers high-flying international suspense in a stunning new legal thriller that marks the return of Mitch McDeere, the brilliant hero of The Firm. ....................... The Little Liar by Mitch Albom Beloved bestselling author Mitch Albom returns with a powerful novel that moves from a coastal Greek city during the Holocaust, to America, where the intertwined lives of three survivors are forever changed by the perils of deception and the grace of redemption.

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My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand The long-awaited memoir by the superstar of stage, screen, recordings, and television.

Teddy and Booker T.: How two American icons blazed a path for racial equality by Brian Kilmeade Bestselling author of George Washington’s Secret Six and Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates turns to two other heroes of the nation: Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington. ....................... You Like It Darker: Stories by Stephen King From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of 12 short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best ever.

Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole. —Descriptions and images courtesy of the respective publisher or Amazon. Compiled by Christy Hinko.

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FULL RUN

HOME & DESIGN

HOMES

Recently Sold

Leaf Me Alone

This gorgeous, new center hall Colonial situated on a 100’ x 265’ foot lot at 88 Second St. in Garden City is perfectly designed for today’s modern family lifestyle. This magnificent home features a welcoming foyer, a formal living room with a fireplace, an elegant dining room that is serviced by a butler pantry, a mudroom, an office or bedroom serviced by a full bathroom, a powder room and a spacious family room with a fireplace that is completely open to a gourmet kitchen with an island and eating area. The second floor primary bedroom suite boasts a luxurious bathroom and two walk-in closets. There are four additional nice-sized bedrooms that are serviced by three full bathrooms and there is a separate laundry room. The location, lot size and the superior build quality and design make this a unique opportunity to put your finishing touches on a truly exceptional home. This home sold on Nov. 15 for $3,599,000. This home at 172 Kildare Rd. in Garden City sold on Nov. 14 for $2,500,000. It is like new with construction less than five years old. It has nine-foot first floor ceilings, herringbone floors, Wolf appliances, and marble and quartz countertops. This home is the ultimate entertainment home. The first floor has a laundry and mudroom with an attached one-car garage. This home is near Tullamore Park, two train stations and Stratford Avenue Elementary School. The home has four graciously sized bedrooms with a full bathroom on the second level. It has a hotel-like primary suite with vaulted ceilings,

a spectacular walk-in shower, and double walk-in closets. The third floor has a bonus space and storage. There is a bonus basement with an egress window,

Why you should keep your leaves in your yard

s the leaves continue to fall, many of us will use our time or money to rid our lawns of leaves. Keeping our leaves nearby is a simpler, more environmentally-friendly solution, as leaves contain nutrients that are good for the soil. Here are some ways to make the most of your leaves: • Mulch your leaves in place. Shred your leaves with a lawn mower and leave them on your lawn. It’s faster and easier than raking or leaf blowing and adds nutrients to the soil. • Add shredded leaves to your garden and landscaping. Shredded leaves can be used as mulch to help prevent weeds and keep moisture in the soil. The leaves will also slowly release nutrients into the soil. • Save your leaves for composting. Fall allows us to collect and store a great carbon-rich source for our compost pile and that’s leaves! Leaves balance out

nitrogen-rich materials in your pile like food scraps and grass clippings. One of the biggest challenges to composting food scraps at home is the release of water into your compost pile as the food breaks down. One of the best ways to fix this is to add leaves every time you add food scraps (Compost tip: shredded leaves absorb water better than whole leaves). Learn more about home composting. • Insulate your compost bin for the winter. Place leaves around and on top of your compost bin. This will insulate your bin and allow the material to continue to break down throughout the winter. In the spring, you will have fresh compost without waiting for your pile to thaw out, and the leaves can be added to your spring compost pile. —The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

a gym, utilities, a security system, a central vacuum and more. The rear yard is fully fenced in and has mature landscape. The backyard has turf and a paver stone patio.

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.

Ileen Weiss Announces Another Sale In Roslyn Harbor Roslyn Harbor | 745 Bryant Ave | $2,600,000 | Web# 3443202

ILEEN WEISS

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson O 516.629.2232 | M 516.287.6388 ileen.weiss@elliman.com elliman.com

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WE LOVE OUR PETS

The Beautiful Struggle

s any pet parent will tell you, the joy, love, and comfort that comes with adopting an animal companion is a blessing rivaled by few experiences life has to offer. What they’ll also tell you is that losing an animal companion can be more emotionally devastating than just about any of life’s many adversities. After experiencing such loss, it takes some pet lovers many years, if ever, before they are willing to open their hearts up to another fur (or feather, etc.) baby. For though they know they will be signing up for much joy, they also know they will be signing up for much pain. This is the unavoidable reality of loving a pet. The beautiful struggle. I’ve always been a dog lover, but our beloved chihuahua/dachshund mix, Tyson, was my soulmate. He had a richness of spirit that could best be described as “old soul”. He loved with a warm depth that was somehow wise, tough, and vulnerable all at once. Losing Tyson in April of 2018 was one of the most emotionally painful experiences of my life, but it was also one of incredible spiritual growth. In my search for healing, I’ve discovered a few things along my path that I would like to pass along to anybody who is grieving over a dearly departed pet.

Don’t buy into the mistaken idea that intense grieving over a pet is weird or inappropriate. Our relationships with our animal friends, though different from those with our human friends, are nonetheless very significant and impactful. Sometimes even more so. The love we feel for another being is not determined by species, but rather by how our souls mesh. We must be gentle with ourselves and understand that our grief reflects our love—there is nothing weird or inappropriate about that.

Don’t adopt another animal during your grieving process. For many, the natural compulsion when we are coping with the loss of a fur baby is to try and alleviate the pain by adopting another pet. The problem is, it is impossible to replace that magic with another pet. This isn’t dissimilar to the let-down that invariably comes from a “rebound relationship” after a breakup. The

Loving and losing a beloved pet BY BRANDON WAINWRIGHT

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

new pet simply can’t live up to our expectations, and we end up feeling dissatisfied. Worse, our healthy healing process is often hindered. This is unfair to both the pet and to us. Spend time with a friend’s pet. Perhaps offer pet-sitting services, or even foster a pet awaiting their forever home. This way, we can offer and receive love and companionship from a pet while allowing ourselves to heal without setting a pet up for failure. When we are truly ready for a new fur baby, we will know it.

Don’t minimize the significance of your healing process, but rather open your mind, heart, and spirit to new experiences. For example, Reiki, which is a Japanese form of spiritual energy, offers amazing healing from not only physical ailments, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual difficulties. I discovered Reiki during my grieving process. I have since become a Reiki

master and animal Reiki practitioner. It has definitely changed my life for the better.

Realize that though your pet has crossed the rainbow bridge, their soul is still very much alive and connected to you. Consider sitting quietly and, in your mind and heart, simply reach out to them. You’ll likely be very comforted by the beautiful love and peace you receive in return. You might also consider utilizing the services of an animal communicator to deliver messages to, and receive messages from, your pet. For some, this may sound far-fetched, but believe me when I say that animal communication is very real. It has the potential to facilitate great healing.

With the intense loss we feel when a beloved pet transitions, it can feel like a tragedy. The “tragedy” is only one of perspective. Rejoice knowing that you loved your pet and helped them learn their life lessons—and they did the same for you. Find

comfort and peace knowing that you provided them with love and friendship in a way that only you could—and they absolutely did the same for you. This makes their lives a wonderful success and anything but tragic. The thing is, our pets are more than just our friends, companions and protectors. They provide friendship, companionship, love and protection with an innocent joy and dedication that is both pure and unconditional. All they want in return is love. We, their human companions, naturally reciprocate this pure, innocent love and dedication. In other words, our pets bring out the very best in us. They help us tap into our highest spirits because they make it safe to love with a vulnerability that is rare in most human relationships. The struggle is worth it. Brandon Wainwright is a police officer, certified Reiki master and author of Tyson’s Gift. Learn more about the memoir about the journey between him and his beloved dog by visiting www.TysonsGift.com.

NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

BRING HOME YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND! North Shore Animal League America has a wide variety of pets to choose from.

OPEN DAILY FOR ADOPTIONS: 10 AM – 6 PM 25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050 • 516.883.7575 animalleague.org • RR006 • FOLLOW US ON:

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Upcoming Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony

he Long Island Air Force Association will be presenting the 82nd Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony — also known as the Dropping of the Roses — on December 7th, at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, NY at 10:30am. We are expecting a large number of WWII

veterans attending. All veterans and families are welcome, this is open to the general public. This is a free ceremony to all, we hope to see you there! For more information, contact Fred Di Fabio, event director, by calling (631) 754-6383. —Submitted by Long Island Air Force Association

Chaplain blessing roses

Color Guards at the ready.

(Photos courtesy of Long Island Air Force Association)

NOW OPEN in Little Neck & Plainview

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WORD FIND

12A NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

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This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direct always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you hav By Holiday Holiday Mathis By Holiday Mathis pleted the puzzle, there will be 20 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle. By Mathis

HOROSCOPES HOROSCOPES

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND Mass transit

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re sensitive to environments and will wisely assess the scene before you contribute anything to it. In the early stages of getting to know people and their situations, there’s nothing to be gained from standing out. You’ll watch and learn the opportunities and dangers to be navigated.

WORD FIND Mass transit Solution: 20 Letters

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Make sure to involve yourself in something exciting and inspiring, otherwise ennui will come knocking like a magazine seller, disregarding all the signs in the neighborhood in hopes of catching you in an unguarded moment. When it arrives, don’t entertain it at your front stoop. Avoid even going to the door. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re all too familiar with unbalanced relationships featuring one person doing the lion’s share of the work. You also know what it’s like to be the only one making sacrifices and compromises. Because of this, your radar will steer you away from repeats of this dynamic and toward those who are equals in generosity and talent.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You know who’s hard to teach? A person who thinks they already know. This includes a wide array of skill levels, from the expert to the naive to the delusional or the generally unaware. You have treasures to impart, so seek those who are ready, willing and open to absorbing what you have to give. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There’s a habit you’d like to lose, but you haven’t been able to simply quit. Instead, think in terms of substituting. Add something new to your life that will be more compelling than the undesirable thing. Relatedly, as you strengthen and grow your best qualities, less desirable ones disappear. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ve seen and embraced the reality around you, and this week, it’s time for some fantasizing. The unrealistic ideas will shake things up. Nothing limits you like a limited viewpoint. At the end of the week, you’ll get a chance to entertain. Blend your understanding of the audience’s desires with your unique take. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re still getting to know and love the real you. Since it’s a journey you’ll never get to the end of (because there are endless layers to explore), you don’t have to judge yourself as to how far along you are on the path to self-actualization. You’re in the perfect place to proudly and humbly share yourself. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You will make progress this week, though it won’t always feel that way. The conversation doesn’t have to go perfectly to go well. The important thing is that people are communicating, and this makes many things possible. The more you can understand about where others are coming from, the better future connections will be. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). To wish you were somewhere else, even for a second, would only diminish your power. Keep trying to dig into the present moment. This will open your brightest future. When your mind wants to race ahead in hopes of controlling the outcome, remind yourself -- the outcome doesn’t want to be controlled. It wants to be a mystery.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

It’s a year of focused purpose. Personal life and business blossom as you apply your talent for asking the questions to gain clarity. You have an extra sense for getting to what’s germane to the solution. Because of this, and your extraordinary kindness, you’ll be an asset to your team. You’ll often be placed in a top position because your ways benefit many. More highlights: perfect vacation weather, full funding for an event, and the happy resolution of a long legal or logistical scenario. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As delightful as variety may be, you realize that it’s also costly to flit from one interest to another, so you’ll you get seriously focused. You put your attention on the things and people who are likely to pay you back with a sense of accomplishment, duty or belonging. To meet your own standards for success will be profoundly rewarding.

Airy Amphibious Boat Book Buggy Bumpy Canoe Celica Chat City Coach Cold Doors

Solution: Moving people every day

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). As a respected thought leader, you’ll be encouraged to weigh in on the work of others. Instead of doing so in the manner of a teacher giving a grade, you’ll be more of a scientist or an explorer, asking questions and aiming to understand what makes a thing work.

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 20 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There have been times in your life when you felt strangely incomplete, as though you were somehow more whole with another person around. Not anymore. Though you need people, as every human does, this week, you often feel content, fully realized and self-directed. In other words, you’re doing you in a big way.

Solution: 20 Letters

Creators Syndicate

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Death of a monarch West dealer. Both sides vulnerable. NORTH ♠K7 ♥A 9 6 2 ♦963 ♣K J 8 4 WEST EAST ♠ J 10 3 ♠98652 ♥7 5 4 ♥K ♦ A K J 10 5 ♦Q7 ♣9 6 ♣ Q 10 5 3 2 SOUTH ♠AQ4 ♥ Q J 10 8 3 ♦842 ♣A 7 The bidding: West North East South Pass Pass Pass 1♥ Pass 3♥ Pass 4♥ Opening lead — king of diamonds. The temptation to finesse is often irresistible, but there are times when a finesse is clearly the wrong play and should be avoided. Consider this deal where South got to four hearts as shown and West cashed the K-A-J of diamonds before shifting to the jack of spades. Declarer won the spade with the queen and returned the queen of hearts, on which West followed low. Had South finessed — which seems the normal thing to do — he would have gone down one. But South

went up with the ace, speared East’s king and so made the contract. Catching the king was certainly a lucky shot, but playing the ace was absolutely correct under the circumstances. South did not know that the king would fall, but he did know that the finesse, if attempted, would fail. West had passed originally and had also passed South’s one-heart opening bid. It was inconceivable that he would do so with a hand that included the A-K-J-10-5 of diamonds (revealed by the first three tricks), the jack of spades (his next play) and the king of hearts as well. West surely would have bid at some point with such a hand, and it was therefore reasonable to assume that he did not have the king of hearts. It followed from this that a heart finesse, if taken, was sure to lose. True, going up with the ace of trump did not have much chance of success either, but it did have the great merit of offering at least some chance for the contract, while the finesse offered none. Actually, West could have defeated the contract by continuing with a fourth diamond at trick four, allowing East to ruff with the king. However, it must be added that this was a much easier play for West to make on paper than at the table.

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 13A

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Happy Thanksgiving

May your Thanksgiving be filled with peace, love and great joy.

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Weekly Sudoku Puzzle Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

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ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

Northwell Cardiologists First In The US To Implant New Defibrillator The new cardiac device treats abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest

ardiologists at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital (SABHH) at North Shore University Hospital are the first in the United States to implant a novel defibrillator outside the heart and veins to treat patients with dangerously fast heart rhythms, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Developed by Medtronic, the Aurora Extravascular Implantable CardioverterDefibrillator (EV-ICD) system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercial use on October 23, 2023. The new implantable defibrillator allows cardiologists to place the lead, or wire, under the breastbone, outside of the heart and veins. It delivers lifesaving defibrillation and paces dangerously rapid heartbeats in one system. The minimally invasive procedure, which took about 45 minutes, was performed by Laurence Epstein, MD, system director of electrophysiology at Northwell Health on October 30, 2023. “The first-of-its-kind Medtronic implantable defibrillator provides innovative technology that offers several benefits over traditional ICDs,” said Dr. Epstein. “With the new device, the lead can be tunneled under the sternum, outside the heart, reducing the risks of long-term complications, such as blood infections. Also, since the lead is closer to the heart, it is more energy efficient with a smaller device and longer battery life.” Jeffrey Juettner, a 61-year-old Riverhead resident, was the first patient in the country to receive the new Medtronic implantable defibrillator. Mr. Juettner, a longtime carpenter, had been working through shortness of breath. His symptoms worsened, and on the morning of October 29, he went to the emergency department at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC), part of Northwell. He was diagnosed with severe heart failure, and after consultation with cardiologists at PBMC hospital, he was transferred to the SABHH at NSUH for advanced heart failure therapy. Given his young age and risk of future infection, Dr. Epstein determined Mr. Juettner would be a good candidate for the new heart device. “I know my heart is not in good shape,” said Mr. Juettner. “Dr. Epstein explained the procedure to me, but before that I had no idea I would be the first person to receive the new defibrillator. Dr. Epstein was great – he took away any anxiety I had about the surgery; things went well and the next morning I was doing laps around the hospital hallways. I’ll be going back to work soon.” “Northwell Health is at the forefront of the latest care of cardiovascular patients,”

Laurence Epstein, MD, system chief of electrophysiology at Northwell Health, implants the first EV-ICD (defibrillator) in the nation at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset. (Photo by Northwell Health)

Laurence Epstein, MD, system chief of electrophysiology at Northwell Health, with his cardiac team, is the first facility in the United States to implant Medtronic’s novel defibrillator that can be placed outside the heart. The procedure took place on October 23 at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset. (Photo by Northwell Health)

said Dr. Epstein. “By offering patients the most advanced implantable defibrillator, we are truly leading the region and nation in electrophysiology and cardiac care.” Dr. Epstein said achievements in the cardiac field at the health system are always due to the collective talents of an expert clinical team. “Our dedicated team of physicians, advanced care practitioners and technicians work seamlessly to allow us to push cutting-edge innovations and to be involved in research trials,” Dr. Epstein said, adding, “At Northwell, we have a large diverse patient population, which is important to ensure that clinical studies are representative of the patients who will use a medical product.” The Medtronic EV-ICD system was evaluated in a worldwide pivotal study, involving 356 patients at 46 hospitals in Europe, North

America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at NSUH participated in the trial. In the study, the EV-ICD System achieved a defibrillation success rate of 98.7 percent and met its safety endpoints of freedom from major system and/or procedural complications at six months after implant. Results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. For more information about cardiology care at Northwell Health, call 833-902-2994; patient navigators are available to help with details. Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two

million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 85,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell. edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. —Submitted by Northwell Health

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

SCHOOL NEWS

Reading Buddies

Shelter Rock Kindergartners Celebrate First Reading Unit

Kindergarten and fourth-grade buddies from Mrs. Krugman and Mrs. Levine’s classes at Munsey Park Elementary School recently met outside to read. The Kindergarten classes at Shelter Rock celebrated the culmination of the first reading unit, fourth-graders brought fall and Halloween We Are Readers! During this unit, the students read books to learn about the world, as well stories to share. The children enjoyed this special time together and are looking as favorite storybooks. Students learned to reread books, read privately, and read with a forward to making memories throughout partner, use pictures, and much more! Overall, the students learned that reading all kinds the year ahead. of books with friends is fun. —From the Manhasset —From Manhasset Public Schools news page Public Schools’ news page

The practice helps them improve.

The students celebrated their new skills.

(Photo from the Manhasset Public Schools’ Facebook)

Geology At Shelter Rock Elementary Shelter Rock students in Ms. Benisatto’s second-grade class recently conducted an experiment on glaciers in the science lab. They observed how melting glaciers formed the land we live on by looking at how a block of frozen dirt and rocks melted across a diorama. —From the Manhasset Public School News page

Students learned about how glaciers form land.

(Photo from Manhasset Public Schools’ Facebook)

Older kids read with the younger students.

It’s nice to take advantage of the weather and read outside. (Photos from Manhasset Public Schools’ Facebook)

Shelter Rock third graders in Mrs. Weinstein’s class recently explored different types of simple machines with the help of the Science Museum of Long Island. (Photos from Manhasset Public Schools’ Facebook)

Manhasset Secondary School Earns Spot On College Board’s AP Honor Roll The Manhasset Public Schools is proud to announce that Manhasset Secondary School has earned platinum recognition on College Board’s 2023 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll. Out of 4,570 schools, Manhasset Secondary School is among 886 schools to receive platinum, the highest level of distinction that a school can receive. According to College Board, “the AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools

that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.” AP courses prepare high school students for the future with college-level work. Twenty nine AP courses are offered at Manhasset Secondary School to fit all student interests. To be selected for the AP School Honor Roll, College Board looks at a school’s college culture (percent of

students in the graduating class who took an AP exam), college credit (percent of students in the graduating class who scored 3 or higher on any AP exam) and college optimization (percent of students in the graduating class who took five or more AP exams, where at least one exam was taken in ninth or 10th grade). Manhasset Secondary School received platinum recognition —Submitted by on College Board’s 2023 Advanced Placement School Honor Manhasset Public Schools Roll. (Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

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NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MANHASSET TRAIN STATION PARKING I want to protest what I believe is an unjustified fine I was issued in the Manhasset LIRR station parking lot on Thursday, October 12, 2023. I request that the ticket be canceled. I am a non-resident, so I went to park in the nonresident section. At 9:00 AM there was not a single empty parking space available in that section, it was totally full.

There were, however, plenty of spaces open in the adjacent Resident sections. I searched along the western section of the lot and finally — having paid my $10 at the meter — parked in an area of unclear status. On my arrival back from NYC in late afternoon, I found I had been ticketed. What was I supposed to do that morning?

The nonresident lot was completely full, there’s no multi-hour on-street parking in the area, and no commercial parking lots. Was I supposed to cancel my trip and go home, losing the $300 I had paid for a tour I had booked? Would Manhasset compensate me for that? I don’t think so. If Manhasset does not provide enough parking to meet the needs of LIRR

customers, should we, the customers, be penalized for that? Therefore I request that this ticket and fine be set aside, and that Manhasset’s government consider what steps it could take to improve the unsatisfactory parking situation around the station. Thank you, David Halperin

Queens Man Sentenced To Prison For DWI Crash That Seriously Injured Four Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Queens man was sentenced yesterday to six to 12 years in prison for a March 2020 head-on drunk driving crash that caused serious physical injuries to four victims. Jesus Lugo Santana, 51, of Bayside, Queens, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2023, before Judge Caryn Fink to two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault (a C felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony); and Driving While Intoxicated (an E felony). The defendant was sentenced on November 15, 2023, to six to 12 years in prison. “This defendant was speeding and highly intoxicated when he slammed head-on into

oncoming traffic, seriously injuring four victims,” said DA Donnelly. “The victims’ injuries were so severe that they required extensive physical therapy, surgeries, and one victim remains in a wheelchair to this day. They are lucky to be alive. Santana disregarded the lives of motorists sharing the road with him that night and that decision has cost him his freedom.” DA Donnelly said that, on March 20, 2020, at approximately 8:24 p.m., the defendant was driving while intoxicated westbound on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset in a black Nissan Murano, near the intersection of Schenk Avenue. At that same time, the victims’ vehicle, a white Hyundai Sonata carrying a driver and three passengers, was

driving eastbound. The defendant was traveling at approximately 71 miles per hour when he lost control of his car, crossed over the double yellow line, and hit the victims head-on. The speed limit on Northern Boulevard is 40 mph. Santana was trapped inside of his vehicle after the crash. A nearly empty bottle of rum was recovered from inside the Murano. The four victims were taken to Northwell Health, Long Island Jewish Medical Center with extensive physical injuries, including broken bones, shoulder and leg injuries requiring surgery, as well as spinal and neck injuries. Three of the victims underwent physical therapy, one for more than a year and a half,

and another victim is still wheelchair bound because of ongoing complications from her injuries. Santana was taken to NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island. The defendant had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .27% approximately an hour and a half after the crash. Santana was arrested at the scene on Northern Boulevard at 8:55 p.m. by Nassau County Police on March 20, 2020. The case is being prosecuted by District Court Deputy Bureau Chief Alex DePalo and Deputy Bureau Chief Katie Zizza of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau. The defendant in represented by Dennis Lemke, Esq. —From the office of the Nassau County District Attorney’s office

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LEGAL NOTICE The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on November 21, 2023, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Plandome Manor, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. Katherine Hannon Village Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PLANDOME MANOR, NEW YORK, ADOPTED NOVEMBER 21, 2023, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000 TO

FINANCE, IN PART, CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IN THE VILLAGE, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $400,000 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE, INCLUDING THE EXPENDITURE OF $100,000 IN AVAILABLE VILLAGE FUNDS TO PAY THE BALANCE OF SAID COST The object or purpose for which the bonds are authorized is the construction of road improvements in the Village at the estimated maximum cost of $400,000, with $100,000 of said cost to be paid from available Village funds. The period of probable usefulness applicable to the object or purpose for which said bonds are authorized is ﬁfteen (15) years; however, the bonds authorized pursuant to this resolution and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds, shall mature no later than ﬁve (5) years after the date of original issuance of said bonds or notes. The maximum amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $300,000. A complete copy of the Bond Resolution summarized above shall be available for

public inspection during normal business hours at the ofﬁce of the Village Clerk, at the Village Hall, 55 Manhasset Avenue, Manhasset, New York. 11-29-2023-1T-#243711MAN

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Design Review Board of the Incorporated Village of Plandome Manor will hold a public hearing on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:00PM at Village Hall. Village Hall is located at 55 Manhasset Avenue, Manhasset, NY. The following application will be reviewed at the meeting: DRB2023-12 Application of Mr. & Mrs. Kilis, 1 Gulls Cove, is seeking review for the construction of a new two-story single-family residence totaling 5,703.2 sq. ft., an altered pool house, a pool, and covered patio. Existing residence to be demolished. BY ORDER OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Isabel DeSousa, Chairman Katherine Hannon, Village Clerk November 21, 2023 11-29-2023-1T-#243712MAN

ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

Go Green North Hempstead TV Helps Residents Tackle Waste

North Hempstead Town Supervisor classrooms. Harbor can help us overcome Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board any confusion about the garbage and recyrecently premiered the second episode of cling process.” the Go Green North Hempstead TV series To complement this episode, the Town entitled, Know What To Throw, a step-bycreated a Know What To Throw web page step guide to tackling household waste. with an FAQ and helpful links that cover This episode introduces a new friend and everything from where the Town’s recycling waste advocate of North Hempstead, is processed to what to do Harbor the Heron (Harbor) with items such as bottle whose personal story promcaps, broken glass and ises to engage residents. food scraps. Harbor is on a mission to Residents can tune show residents how to into channel 18 or 65 on Caproperly dispose of food, blevision or 46 on Verizon. yard waste, glass, metals, It is also accessible through paper, cardboard, plastics, MyNHTV.com. oversized items, electronKnow What to Throw is ics, hazardous waste, pharpart of the Go Green North maceuticals and more. Hempstead TV series “I love Know What To designed to help residents (Graphic Throw because sometimes from the Town of North Hempstead) take actionable steps to merely telling people to live a more sustainable life. recycle is not enough. Our new friend HarEach topic is broken down into easy steps so bor shows us how to properly handle waste residents can have fun while doing someso we can make the North Hempstead thing great for the planet. Episode themes community cleaner and greener,” stated align with priorities identified in the Town’s Supervisor DeSena. climate change survey. Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte For more information go to North Hempadded, “My goal is to have Harbor jump off steadNY.gov/ClimateAction. the screen and into the hearts of residents —Submitted by the at Town Hall, STOP events, and school Town of North Hempstead

TOWN NEWS

Shelter Spotlight

Cleo

Leo

Handsome Leo is patiently waiting for his new permanent walking buddy to walk through the shelter door and take him home. Leo is a friendly guy that is very treat motivated- staff and volunteers are working with him to help him learn some manners. He can be strong on a leash but has made a lot of progress with walking calmly. Leo would thrive in an active home dedicated to continuing his training. Due to his exuberance and strength he should not live with young children at this time.

Councilmember Lurvey Hosts Community Clothing Drive Benefiting Israel Suzette

North Hempstead Councilmember Veronica Lurvey recently partnered with Yad Leah to host a community clothing drive benefiting Israel on November 12. The drive collected over 600 bundles of items which included new and gently used children’s and adult clothing, shoes, linens, towels, and bags to be given to soldiers and families affected by the war. (Information and photo from the Town of North Hempstead)

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The shelter did Suzette’s DNA and she is mostly English Bulldog with some Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, and Husky. She is estimated to be about 4 years old. She is outgoing and affectionate and loves to give kisses and get belly rubs. She is also the type of dog that can sometimes want things her own way. The shelter is seeking a dog savvy family without young kids to open their home to her.

(Photos from the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter website)

Cleo is a 2 1/2 year old “XL-Bully” recently surrendered to the shelter. Cleo is a fun, affectionate girl that knows several commands- beauty AND brains! Cleo gets along with other dogs and seems to be fine meeting new people. She is extremely strong on a leash and will require continued training to work with that. We are seeking a dog-experienced home, especially with large breeds. Due to her size and strength we are recommending kids 12+ in the family. If you are interested in learning more about Cleo, please call the shelter at 516-869-6311 or email us at animalshelter@northhempsteadny.gov for more information. The shelter is currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, they may not be able to assist you. Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) for more information about any dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection. org for more information about and directions to the shelter. —Information compiled by Amanda Olsen

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NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 •• ANTON ANTONMEDIA MEDIAGROUP GROUP

L LI IW IW LIW

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

A Day In The Life Of

A Radio City Rockette Smithtown’s Courtney File shares her dancing journey BY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

ourtney File first saw the Christmas Spectacular, Starring the Radio City Rockettes, when she was six years old. From there, it became tradition, as File and her family would come from Smithtown to see the show every year during the holidays. “The curtain came down at the very end of it, and I looked at my mom and said ‘that’s what I want to do,’” File said. “And it never changed, my whole life. I was very inspired and in awe of the Rockettes.” File always loved dancing. She first started dancing at a local studio in Smithtown when she was two. She trained on Long Island until she was about 12 years old and switched to the Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan, where she was a part of the Children & Teens Program. “I loved it and it introduced me to a bunch of different styles of dance,” File said. “But the Rockette style has always been my personal favorite.”

Rockette Courtney File. (Photo courtesy MSG Entertainment)

File continued to train in Manhattan while attending Hofstra University for journalism, eventually getting the opportunity to train to be a Rockette through the Rockette Conservatory program, an invite-only, week-long intensive training program held at Radio City Music Hall each summer. “It was an amazing program that fully prepares girls for the job,” File said. “I feel like it really prepared me for my first season last year and I’m still feeling the benefits of the conservatory program.” Participants of the Rockette Conservatory Program are invited to audition in August for consideration to be a part of the Christmas Spectacular. It was File’s sixth audition when she finally got the part in 2022. “You just have to keep pushing, and for anyone who asks me, ‘what advice would you give to a younger girl?’ I’d say keep going, keep pushing, because my story definitely shows dreams come true,” File said. “I’m working my dream job every day, which is amazing.” File is now in her second year as a Rockette. “I’m very excited to be back to celebrate Christmas here at the hall,” File said. File said she and her fellow Rockettes share a similar story of being inspired by the show they are now a part of when they were younger. “We either saw the Rockettes on TV for the Macy’s Day Parade or we came and saw the show every year with our families and friends,” File said. “It’s a similar feeling for all of us, that it’s such an inspiring company.” Rehearsals, File explains, take place for six hours a day, six days a week for six weeks. “We start in our rehearsal space and we learn our individual track for the show, and then we move into the hall, which is very exciting for us and we move into our dressing room, and we start working on stage during

LONG ISLAND WEEKLY

tech rehearsals,” File said. “Then we layer on costumes and lighting and it’s so fun each day.” File performs during the evening performances of the Christmas Spectacular, at times performing in four shows a day. There is an hour-and-a-half of rest time between each show, where the Rockettes can eat, ice their muscles, stretch and relax. “It’s a very rigorous and athletic schedule, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” File said. “It’s truly fun. You really do become a family at Radio City, especially spending the holidays together.” During off season, Rockettes often work other jobs. “There are some girls that are accountants,” File said. “You have some girls who teach fitness. We have some girls that have four kids and they go home and are with their kids for the rest of the year. It varies.” For nearly a century, the Rockettes have starred in thousands of stage spectaculars at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, and have been a part of history by performing for troops abroad during wartime or performing during a presidential inauguration. For 80 years, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes has become a popular Christmas destination, featuring classic numbers like Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and Living Nativity. Tickets can be purchased online at www. rockettes.com/Christmas/. “It’s a family tradition for so many people, especially for people who are lucky enough to be so close, living on Long Island,” File said. “I would describe it as a once in a lifetime experience, if you haven’t seen it. Each number is so special. You have numbers in the show like Parade of the Wooden Soldiers Soldiers, that have been in the show since it opened in 1933. Then you have new and exciting numbers, like Dance of the Frost Fairies Fairies.”

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ANTON MEDIA GROUP • NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023

Wishing You a Season of Joy! The holidays often inspire a sense of warmth and togetherness, making it a special time where memories can be created and shared. Allow me to assist you in ﬁnding your dream home, where cherished moments await. May we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones in good health and spirits!

PA R S A S A M I I Long Island Founding Agent | Compass Sports & Entertainment Division The Traci Conway Clinton Team | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson M 516.965.7445 | O 516.517.4751 | parsa@compass.com PARSA SAMII IS A LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON AFFILIATED WITH COMPASS, A LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER AND ABIDES BY EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LAWS. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. INFORMATION IS COMPILED FROM SOURCES DEEMED RELIABLE BUT IS SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES IN PRICE, CONDITION, SALE, OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. PHOTOS MAY BE VIRTUALLY STAGED OR DIGITALLY ENHANCED AND MAY NOT REFLECT ACTUAL PROPERTY CONDITIONS.

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NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2023 • ANTON MEDIA GROUP

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